Not content to tackle the Porsche Taycan at its own game, China’s Xiaomi appears ready to wade into the executive class against the likes of the S-Class and Panamera.
Electric Cars
Xiaomi may be better known for its mobile phones and tech products, but the Chinese company’s automotive division is already causing a stir against established rivals in its home market.
Now Xiaomi appears to be looking to expand its electric vehicle range beyond the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV that currently make up the brand’s line-up.
A new, longer-wheelbase version of the SU7 has been spied undergoing testing in China.
Car News China reports the new model could ride on a wheelbase extended by up to 150mm, with an overall length up to 200mm longer than the regular SU7.
The current four-door model measures 4997mm long and rides on a 3000mm wheelbase, making it slightly larger than a Porsche Taycan already, but the extended version would push dimensions beyond those of the larger, petrol-powered Porsche Panamera.
A number of brands offer long-wheelbase versions of their regular sedans in the Chinese market, where the appetite for more luxurious versions of regular four-doors with expanded rear-seat room remains strong.
These images show the longer version of the Xiaomi SU7 will retain the coupe-like profile of the regular model, and although heavy camouflage is applied front and rear, styling is expected to be little changed from that of the short-wheelbase model.
With a focus on luxury rather than outright performance, it’s more likely the longer SU7 will stick with the 220kW and 275kW rear-wheel-drive and 425kW all-wheel-drive powertrain options available, and sidestep the 1139kW Ultra flagship.
Alongside the more spacious SU7 sedan, Xiaomi is also reportedly developing a high-performance version of the YU7 SUV, likely using the SU7 Ultra’s 1139kW three-motor electric drivetrain.
A larger YU9 SUV is also under development, reports claim, but rather than a larger version of the YU7, it is poised to be a unique model with boxier styling and three rows of seats.
Although only offered for sale in China at present, Xiaomi has confirmed that it aims to reach European showrooms by 2027, potentially opening the door to markets like the UK and Australia at a later date.
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Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
